• Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo

• WW1 (1914-1918) with estimated 16 million deaths -> Allies vs Central Powers

• Russian Revolutions -> February and October

• The Spanish Flu pandemic -> kills 50+ million people

• Treaty of Versailles -> League of Nations founded

• Women's rights to vote movements on the rise

• The fall of the Empires: Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian, Russian, German.

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Edwardian elegance (early 1910s):

• High necklines, long skirts, corseted waists, and S-shaped silhouettes.

• Lavish fabrics, lace, and hats with feathers or wide brims.

Transition to modern simplicity:

• Corsets loosened and waistlines rose.

• Empire-line dresses, kimono sleeves, and draped styles appeared.

World War I practicality (1914–1918):

• Shorter skirts for mobility, simpler cuts, and utilitarian materials.

• Women entered the workforce, adopting trousers and uniforms in some roles.

Postwar change (late 1910s):

• Looser silhouettes, calf-length hems, and lighter fabrics hinted at the freedom of the 1920s flapper era to come.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Rise in more masculine clothing for women, trousers, uniforms, etc, due to higher needed demand of women in the working field due to the war.

• Less intricate designs and shapes, big shift from Edwardian to modern simplicity due to the war.

• Corsets started losing relevance and where no longer a commodity.

• Longer skirts indicating worse economical times (Hemline index theory) -> later in the decade the skirts got shorter again, early signs of the roaring 20s.

• The short rise of prosperity, modernity, and fragile peace.

• The Roaring Twenties -> era of jazz, flappers, and social liberation

• Germany faces economic hardships due to the repercussions of the Treaty of Versailles -> the seeds of resentment have been planted.

• Benito Mussolini seizes power in Italy (1922)-> the rise of Fascism in Europe begins

• Lenin dies (1924) -> Stalin takes over

• The Wall Street Crash (1929) -> start of the great depression

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Flapper style:

• Drop-waist dresses, straight silhouettes, and knee-length hemlines symbolised women’s newfound freedom.

• Sequins, fringe, and beads for dancing and nightlife.

Short haircuts:

• The bob and finger waves became iconic.

Casual modernity:

• Cloche hats, silk stockings, and T-strap heels completed the look.

Androgynous vibe:

• Loose fits and minimal curves reflected the era’s rejection of restrictive corsets.

Sportswear & leisurewear:

• Knitwear, tennis skirts, and cardigans popularised by designers like Coco Chanel.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Shorts skirts being the indication of the swift economical boom (Hemline index)

• Women felt more liberated and entirely got rid of the 'classical feminine' silhouette that dominated the previous decades

• Embraced an almost 'boy-ish' look, stranding even further away from the Edwardian style.

• The Great Depression fuels extremism -> economic crisis destabilises democracies worldwide

• Different dictatorships arose (Germany, Italy, Spain)

• Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany (1933) -> the Nazi regime steps into power.

• The Spanish Civil War (1936) -> Fascists vs Republicans -> Fascists led by Franco win.

• Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Glass)(1938) -> Anti-Jewish pogrom led by the Nazi's

• Germany invades Poland (1939) -> Britain and France declare war on Germany

• WW2 begins

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Elegant and streamlined silhouettes:

• Bias-cut dresses that draped softly over the body, emphasising curves.

• Longer hemlines and defined waists replaced the 'boy-ish' 1920s look.

Glamorous evening wear:

• Satin gowns, backless dresses, and soft, flowing fabrics inspired by Hollywood stars.

Daywear:

• Tailored suits, puff sleeves, and belted jackets for practicality during the Great Depression.

Patterns & accessories:

• Polka dots, florals, gloves, hats, and fur collars were fashionable signs of style and elegance despite economic hardship.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• For the first time Hollywood became a mainstream player when it came to the fashion trends

• Vibrant patterns became a staple reflecting the opposite of the state of society.

• Slight return to the more feminine aspects of dresses, but with added practicality needed during the Great Depression

• Long skirts defining the bad economic crisis of the decade (Hemline index)

• WW2 broke out - Germany invades majority of Europe - Japan invades majority of the Pacific and south-east Asia

• The Holocaust murders 6 million Jews and millions of others (gypsies, queers, disabled people, political prisoners)

• WW2 ends (1945) -> Hitler commits suicide (April), Europe gets liberated (May)

  -> The USA drops atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki

  -> Japan surrenders on September 2nd

• NATO was formed

• West and East Germany were established (1949) marking the start of the Cold War

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Utility & practicality (WW2 era):

• Simple, boxy silhouettes; knee-length skirts; limited fabric use due to rationing.

• Functional clothing — tailored suits, shirtwaist dresses, and sensible shoes.

Military influence:

• Structured shoulders, belted waists, and neutral colours (khaki, navy, grey).

Rosie the Riveter look:

• High-waisted trousers, overalls, and bandanas for working women.

Post-war glamour (late 40s):

• Return to femininity — full skirts, nipped waists, and soft fabrics.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Early 40s fashion reflected the need for functional clothing, fabric was being rationed and neutral colours were the main take away from the outfits.

• Late 40s fashion reflected the post-war rebuilding and 'returning to base'. skirts and dresses cycled back into style since the practicality of trousers weren't the main necessity anymore.

• Mid-length skirts (Hemline index) attribute to the rebuilding faze that majority of Europe was in. The economy wasn't detrimental like in the Great Depression, but it wasn't prosperous either.

• The rise of tension between the two super powers -> USA vs USSR

• The Korean War (1950-1953)

• Death of Stalin -> Khrushchev takes over (1953)

• Start of the Vietnam War (1955)

• Warsaw Pact formed, Soviet-led military alliance to counter Nato (1955)

• Sputnik 1 launched, beginning of the Space Race (1957)

• Cuban Revolution (1959), Fidel Castro overthrows dictator Fulgenico Batista

• The founding of the ECSC (1951) & EEC (1957)

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Hourglass silhouette:

• Cinched waists, full skirts, and structured bodices.

Elegant femininity:

• Gloves, pearls, hats, and matching handbags.

Tailored suits:

• Fitted jackets with pencil skirts for daywear.

Tea-length dresses:

• Often floral or polka-dotted, emphasising grace and formality.

Casual wear rising:

• Capri pants, pedal pushers, and sweaters for a more relaxed postwar look.

Rock n roll youth style (late 50s):

• Poodle skirts, leather jackets, and denim for teenagers.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• The economy was doing well, yet the skirts were still mid-length and modest (slight outlier decade from the Hemline index)

• Structured bodices and cinched making a come back from the 1910s, but this time with a more independent and feminist twist on it.

• Lots of patterns and brighter colours, loads of experimentation with different fabrics. reflects from the many technological advances being made during this decade.

• Era of Détente, eased tensions between the USA and USSR by signing major arms control treaties. (f.e. SALT 1 in 1972)

• The end of the Vietnam War (1975), US defeat and reunification of Vietnam under communism.

• The Helsinki Accords (1975)

• Soviet invasion of Afghanistan (1979), reignited Cold War tensions.

• Rise in new global movements for democracy, equality, and peace.

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Bohemian & hippie style:

• Maxi dresses, peasant blouses, crochet, fringe, floral prints.

Flared pants & bell-bottoms:

• Often paired with platform shoes.

Disco glamour:

• Shiny fabrics, sequins, wrap dresses, halter tops.

High-waisted jeans:

• Fitted at the hips, wide-legged.

Earth tones & natural fabrics:

• Browns, oranges, and denim dominated early 70s.

Jumpsuits & pantsuits:

• A new symbol of women’s freedom and power.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Long skirts indicating the economical shift once again (Hemline index)

• More earthy tones reflect the raised interests in climate preserving.

• Skirts were no longer the mainstream item for women, symbolising a shift in society thanks to feminism.

• Berlin Wall was built, dividing East and West Berlin (1961)

• Decolonisation of Africa. Britain, France, and Belgium granting independence to their colonies.

• Bay of Pigs invasion (1961) failed attempt from the USA to try to overthrow Castro in Cuba

• Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)

• Assassination of JFK in Dallas, Texas (1963)

• The Prague Spring (1968)

• Apollo 11 Moon landing - the USA had 'won' the space race in many people's eyes

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Mod style:

• Mini skirts, shift dresses, bold geometric patterns, and bright colours.

Go-go boots:

• White, knee-high boots that defined the mod look.

Youthful silhouettes:

• A-line dresses and shorter hemlines.

Psychedelic prints:

• Swirls, florals, and neon hues influenced by the counterculture movement.

Bohemian & hippie looks (late 60s):

• Flowing maxi dresses, fringe, tie-dye, peasant tops, and natural fabrics.

Androgynous fashion:

• Women wearing trousers, tunics, and military jackets.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Short skirts were all in and the economy was once again booming (Hemline index)

• Rise of the hippie came directly from the rise of student protests during this decade

• Women dressing androgynous to rebel against the "American Dream"/"Nuclear Family" propaganda that was most prevalent during the decade

• Psychedelic prints and colours all reflect on their rebellious spirit that was very 'in' with the younger generation and women becoming more outspoken.

• Gorbachev becomes Soviet leader (1985) -> begins reform of the USSR

• The Chernobyl Disaster (1986)

• INF Treaty (197) -> easing Cold War tensions

• Tiananmen Square Massacre (1989)

• Fall of the Berlin Wall (1989) -> the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe

• German Reunification (1990)

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Power dressing:

• Blazers with shoulder pads, pencil skirts, “boss” suits.

Bright colours & neon:

• Especially in workout wear and club fashion.

Fitness style:

• Spandex leggings, leotards, leg warmers.

Denim everything:

• Acid-wash jeans and jackets.

Big hair & accessories:

• Volume, scrunchies, chunky jewellery.

Punk & glam rock:

• Leather, studs, ripped jeans, bold makeup.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• There was more hope in society during this decade, finally seeing the 'light at the end of the tunnel', which is reflected in the bright colours being worn

• Trousers were now fully the norm for women, and starting outselling skirts and dresses by a landslide.

• The death of Queen Victoria (1901) marking the end of the Victorian Era

• Era of empires, innovation, and rising tensions

• Europe was at their height of imperialism, most of Africa and Asia was under colonial rule

• Rapid urbanisation, industrialisation, and optimism (Belle Époque)

• Growing alliances between empires and arms races set the stage for WW1

What were the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Edwardian “Belle Époque” style:

• Opulent, romantic fashion emphasising luxury and femininity.

• S-bend corset created a silhouette with rounded hips and a tiny waist.

High society elegance:

• Floor-length skirts, lace blouses, puffed sleeves, and tall collars.

• Elaborate hats adorned with feathers, ribbons, and flowers.

Evening wear:

• Flowing gowns in silk and satin, decorated with embroidery and lace.

Emerging practicality (late 1900s):

• Slightly shorter skirts, looser corsets, and tailored walking suits for mobility and sports.

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• The prosperity from Belle Époque reflected in the way women dressed.

• A bigger need for practicality for women towards the end of the decade, better accommodating for those with industrial jobs.

• Shorter skirts indicating good economic welfare (Hemline index theory)

• Collapse of the Soviet Union (1991)

• The Maastricht Treaty (1992) -> European Union was established

• WTO (1995) -> accelerating globalisation

• HIV/AIDS crisis at its peak

• Yugoslav Wars (1991-1999) -> violent breakup of Yugoslavia

• Rwandan Genocide (1994)

• End of Apartheid in South Africa (1994)

• Good Friday Agreement (1998)

What where the most popular fashion trends during the decade?

Minimalism (early to mid-90s):

• Simple slip dresses, neutral colours, clean silhouettes.

Grunge style:

• Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, Doc Martens, and layered looks.

Casual streetwear:

• Crop tops, baggy jeans, hoodies, and sneakers.

Pop star glam (late 90s):

• Shiny fabrics, platform shoes, halter tops, and low-rise pants — icons like Britney Spears and Spice Girls defined the look.

Denim revival:

• Overalls, denim jackets, and jeans in all cuts (baggy, bootcut, flared).

Was there any correlation between the important events and the fashion trend?

• Massive strides in technology being reflected in the rise of Y2K.

• Celebrity influences peaking to a new high, setting the groundwork for what was to come in the 2020s

• Big boom in self expression through fashion during this decade, but still following trends set by fashion houses and famous people.